That seems a bit short-sighted. I mean, if things spiraled so out of control that the earth had to be destroyed, why wouldn't it happen again?

I guess something other than water would have to be used next time :-)

It sounds like it's going to be fire next time.

http://biblehub.com/2_peter/3-10.htm

Good point. Since there's already been ice ages, that only leaves fire and earth ;-) Though then again, some people say the dinosaurs are extinct because of meteor strikes, so maybe earth is done too?